Author

Adam Alter

16 key ideas across 2 books, each explained in our own words.

Drunk Tank Pink

IDEA 1
Hidden cues shape our behaviour
Alter argues that many small, unnoticed features of the world, like names, colours and the presence of others, influence how we think, feel and act. These cues work quietly, often without our awareness.
IDEA 2
Names can shape impressions
Alter describes research suggesting that people with easier-to-pronounce names are sometimes judged more favourably. He also discusses the name-letter effect, a mild preference for things sharing our initials. Such effects are small but can add up.
IDEA 3
Labels change how we see things
Putting people or objects into categories, Alter explains, changes how we perceive them. Labels can create stereotypes and also influence how people see themselves and what they believe they can do.

IDEA 1
Addiction is not only about substances
Alter argues that behavioural addictions, to phones, games, shopping or exercise tracking, work much like addictions to substances. They involve compulsive behaviour that brings short-term reward but long-term harm to people's lives.
IDEA 2
Tech creators limit their own use
Alter notes that some leading technology designers kept their own children away from the devices they built. He suggests this shows insiders understand how hard these products are to resist, especially for young people.
IDEA 3
Six ingredients make experiences irresistible
Alter identifies six common ingredients of addictive experiences: compelling goals, irresistible feedback, a sense of progress, rising difficulty, unresolved tension and social connection. Many apps and games combine several at once.

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